Research shows possibility of reversing Parkinson’s

A new study, published in Nature Biotechnology, has indicated that it may be possible to reprogramme cells inside the brain to reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

The research, which was carried out in mice, demonstrated that a virus can deliver instructions to turn cells that are not lost in Parkinson’s into the type that are – potentially offering a new way to replace lost brain cells.

People develop Parkinson’s when they are unable to produce dopamine, which is used to help the brain communicate messages about movement, but as these cells are lost the brain cannot control movement effectively.

The study showed that astrocytes, a type of cell that supports other brain cells and is not affected in Parkinson’s, could be turned into dopamine-producing cells inside the brain. It is hoped this could pave the way to replacing the cells lost in Parkinson’s without the need for a transplant.

David Dexter, Parkinson’s UK deputy director of Research, said: “Replacing the cells that are lost in Parkinson’s is a possible way to reverse its symptoms, and could one day be a cure for the condition.

“This research is hugely promising, as it offers a completely new way to replace cells that are lost in Parkinson’s. However, the location of the new cells created through this process could make it difficult to control the delivery of dopamine to the brain.

“Further development of this technique is now needed, so it encourages dopamine to be produced and released in a controlled manner, like the original brain cells. If successful, it would turn this approach into a viable therapy that could improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s and, ultimately, lead to the cure that millions are waiting for.”